Use of mobile devices in the childhood: opportunities and risks
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Abstract
There is a great scientific and social interest in analyzing the effects of the use of technological devices in childhood. The responsibility given to families in children digital education makes it essential to rely on their perceptions to understand this issue. Survey-based quantitative research was carried out to investigate families’ perception on their children’s use of mobile devices. A 15-item questionnaire (5-point Likert scale) was administered to inquire about the benefits and risks of devices use. A total of 241 families (73.4% mothers) with children aged 3 to 8 years (51.7% girls) attending Early Childhood and Primary Education participated. The results showed a higher appraisal of the risks, with access to inappropriate content standing out. Educational usefulness and entertainment were the most valued benefits. There was greater concern in families with children in Early Childhood Education. Parents’ age correlated negatively with the appraisal of the benefits for parental control and educational usefulness, and children’s age positively with concern about family and social isolation. Differences in terms of time spent online and the use of parental control mechanisms were found. Lastly, it points out the need to take preventive measures at school and at household level to optimize the benefits of the use of technology devices and reduce the risk associated with their use from an early age.
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